The immune system has many responses to something it identifies as potentially harmful to the body, including inflammatory responses. When inflammatory cells do not disperse, small clumps, called granulomas, can develop in many tissues in the body, but is most prevalent in the lungs. Symptoms of pulmonary sarcoidosis include coughing and shortness of breath. If the disease progresses, scar tissue can form, increasing the risk of pneumonia and other serious lung ailments.

What causes sarcoidosis? We do not know. The fact that most cases affect the lungs suggests that the immune system is reacting to an environmental toxin. It is no surprise that 9/11 first responders and those who lived and worked in the area have a higher than normal incidence of sarcoid-like granulomatous pulmonary disease. A recent study of firefighters who were at the site of the collapse showed a rate of 54 per 100,000 cases in 2003 to 2004 compared with a previous rate of 15 per 100,000.

Rescue workers who had the heaviest exposure to the dust are not the only affected group. As of 2011, three civilians who were in the vicinity of the World Trade Towers on 9/11 have died from complications of sarcoidosis. The condition usually heals naturally. Some cases do not respond, however, and if enough damage is done to lung tissue, it can be fatal.

Anyone who was exposed to 9/11 environmental toxins and has subsequent persistent breathing problems should get a medical exam right away. If you are diagnosed with sarcoidosis or other 9/11-related illnesses, you may be eligible for compensation.

"Barasch McGarry Salzman & Penson handled everything professionally and with patience. They always had time to answer all my questions and did what they promised. Thanks esp to Brian Calamaris Lee London, and Mariya Atanasova. Thank you."
- William Collins, FDNY

"If I could give them six stars I would...don't even bother talking to anyone else concerning 9/11. The whole team worked night and day to deliver an outstanding settlement. They are honest, hard working and extremely professional. Just make the one phone call and let them do the rest."
- Les Margulis, resident in the exposure zone

"I had a very good experience with Michael and Mariya. They made the process stress free. I would recommend this firm to anyone seeking assistance with 9/11 related illnesses."
- JE Kirwan, worked in the exposure zone

"The people at this firm were just great. They were concern with making sure I was taken care of in every way possible. When I was given an award Mr. Barasch didn't think it was a fair amount and appealed the decision which got me a larger award. I am very satisfied with everything they did for me in the past and are willing to do for me and my family in the future."
- Bob Wiecezak, FDNY-Retired

"Excellent law firm. Lee London and his staff were very responsive and always followed up with phone calls or emails. This firm is a strong example of what caring and personable lawyers are all about."
- Letitia Egan, wife of client, volunteer in the exposure zone

Deadline Extended to Register for Compensation

There is still time to apply for significant compensation if you have been diagnosed with any of the 68 cancers that doctors at the WTC Health Program (WTCHP) have linked to the WTC toxic dust. The deadline to apply to the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) is two years from the date that a cancer has been certified by the WTC Health Program — or any other governmental agency. The two-year period to register doesn’t start on the day of a cancer diagnosis. Rather, it starts only when a cancer survivor is made aware their cancer was linked to exposure to the WTC toxins.

For those who died from their WTC-linked cancers, the two-year period for their family to register starts on the day of the death of the WTC victim.

Please help spread the word about the strict two-year deadline to register a claim

Many people have tried to complete the VCF application on their own, only to learn that it requires answers to hundreds of questions and many documents to download. It would be our pleasure to help you complete the process in order to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are entitled to. Please call us for a free consultation.

Let a knowledgeable attorney help you figure it out

A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying. You undoubtedly have questions about your disease and how you will pay for treatment. Lawyers at Barasch & McGarry ensure you understand the complex requirements and help devise the best strategies for obtaining compensation and appropriate medical care under the Zadroga Act.
Contact our law firm online or call 888-351-9421. The initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to find out whether a lawyer can help.

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Barasch & McGarry is located in New York, New York and serves clients throughout the entire New York metropolitan area, including former New York residents who have since relocated to other states and volunteers who came to New York to help in the WTC rescue and recovery efforts.

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